The Underground Mayan Ruins of Aktún Usil

This place is deep beneath the Yucatán Peninsula. Here, jungle roots reach into the limestone earth. It is just 40 miles from Mérida and near the quiet town of Maxcanú. You can find a network of underground caverns. It holds some of the best-preserved and most fascinating evidence of ancient Mayan rituals. Inside these caves, time stands still. Ceramic fragments, ancient bones, altars, and hieroglyphs more than 200 feet above ground remind us that this place once served as a sacred temple. Here are some tips on The Underground Mayan Ruins of Aktún Usil.

A Cave of Symbols and Secrets

The name Aktún Usil means “the place where you can see the paint blowing”, and it’s easy to understand why. High on the cavern walls, Mayan glyphs and iconography still remain intact, some more than 200 feet above the ground. Among the symbols, archaeologists have identified monkeys—guardians of music, dance, and creativity—alongside motifs related to Venus, the Mesoamerican ball game, and even the mythical jackal face. These markings suggest the cave was more than a shelter; it was a ceremonial center of cosmic significance.

The Underground Mayan Ruins of Aktún Usil. Archaeological Finds Still in Place

Because Aktún Usil was only recently discovered, many of the archaeological remains are still inside, untouched and incredibly well preserved. Visitors can see altars, shards of Mayan ceramics, bones, and other sacred offerings, likely placed there during ancient ceremonies. These clues reinforce the belief that the cave was used as a Mayan temple, a place where rituals connected the underworld, the earth, and the heavens.

Every step through the grotto is a journey into ancient spiritual life—a living museum still whispering the stories of its past.

A Sensory and Symbolic Experience

Exploring the Aktún Usil caves is not your average tourist activity. The experience is intense and immersive. Inside the dark, cathedral-like chambers, your senses become your guide. You’ll feel the cool moisture of the cave, hear the echoes of your steps, and smell the ancient minerals in the air. This is a place where symbolism is everywhere, from the layout of the caves to the carvings on the stone. Many visitors describe the visit as deeply personal and reflective, connecting them to a world that still lingers just beneath the surface.

The Underground Mayan Ruins of Aktún Usil. How to Get There from Mérida

The Aktún Usil caves are located near Maxcanú, about 40 miles south of Mérida. To get there:

• Take Federal Highway 180 (the Gulf Coast Highway) heading southwest.
• About 1 kilometer after the junction with the Muna–Maxcanú highway, look for the turnoff to the Aktún caves.
• A short drive along a rural road will lead you to the cave entrance area.

Pro tip: Bring a flashlight, wear sturdy shoes, and be ready to crouch or crawl in certain areas—this is a real cave, not a polished tourist path.

A Site Still Being Studied

The Aktún Usil caves remain under study by INAH (the National Institute of Anthropology and History), which means the full extent of their archaeological value is still being uncovered. This adds an extra layer of excitement for travelers: you’re not just visiting ruins—you’re stepping into an active discovery zone.

As more details emerge, Aktún Usil promises to become one of the most intriguing and meaningful destinations in the Yucatán, offering a rare glimpse at how the ancient Maya saw, interpreted, and revered the underground world.